Page 72 of Chasing Stripes

Artemis wore a flowing dress of pale green that showcased the beautiful golden patterns now covering much of her body. The marks shimmered in the fairy lights, making her appear to glow from within. Bartek couldn’t keep his eyes—or hands—off her as they settled on the blanket, his fingers continually drawn to trace the intricate designs.

They ate and drank, conversation flowing easily despite the dangers lurking in the shadows of their minds. The enchanted wine warmed Bartek’s blood, making the golden marks on his skin tingle pleasantly wherever Artemis touched him.

“I never thought I could feel this way,” he admitted, pouring her another glass of the glowing amber liquid.

“Like what?” she asked, leaning into him as fireflies began to gather around them, attracted to their magical aura.

Bartek considered his words carefully. He’d never been one for flowery speech, preferring action to declaration. But she deserved his honesty, his vulnerability—something he’d never given anyone else.

“Complete,” he said simply. “As if a part of me I never knew was missing has finally come home.”

Her eyes glistened in the fairy lights. She set aside her glass and moved closer, her lips finding his in a kiss that deepened quickly into something more heated. Magic swirled around them like golden mist, responding to their emotions and desire.

Bartek pulled her against him, his hands spanning her waist where it all began—where his handprints had first appeared. The marks brightened beneath his touch, spreading warmth through both their bodies. Fireflies gathered more densely above them, forming a protective dome of living light as their passion ignited.

Later, lying together on the blanket, Bartek traced the expanded golden patterns across Artemis’s bare skin, marveling at how they shifted and pulsed in response to his touch. The marks had spread further during their lovemaking, new patterns emerging across their bodies, connecting them ever more deeply.

“If we strengthen the bond during the eclipse instead of letting them weaken it...” he began, voicing the thought that had been forming since they read her mother’s articles.

“We’d be more powerful together,” she finished his thought. “But also more vulnerable if separated.”

“We really need my mother’s personal journal. I bet it has exactly what we need to know. Do you think the same person who took our family recipe book took it too?”

He shrugged. “More than likely, but then someone who foresaw all this might’ve taken it to protect it.”

“Then why haven’t they brought it out?”

“I don’t know.” He sighed. “I wish I had answers for you.”

Artemis gazed up at the stars appearing above them, contemplation in her expression. The fireflies still danced above them, their light reflecting in her eyes. “Some things are worth any risk.”

Bartek pulled her closer, inhaling her scent mixed with his own. His tiger purred with satisfaction deep within him—a reaction he’d never experienced before meeting her. The animal part of him recognized what his human side had taken longer to accept: she was his, he was hers, and together they formed something greater than either could be alone.

SIXTY-FOUR

Something about being near Bartek woke her inner sexual needs and called forth her confidence to a whole new level. She felt powerful and in charge, but she felt vulnerable too.

This is crazy.Artemis let out a breathy gasp.

Bartek grabbed the back of her neck. His touch sent warmth flowing through her.

She kissed him harder and bit his lower lip playfully as a low growl emanated from her throat.

She felt his lips smile against hers as he pulled away, but just enough for his lips to speak.

“I hope that wasn’t a warning because I don’t think I could heed it even if it was.” His breath was warm on her face and smelled inviting, drawing her in closer.

This tiger had absolute power over her.

“Oh, you would definitely know if it was.” She smiled as she pressed her lips against his again.

The sun had set and the sky was dark, but Artemis never had seen anything brighter. This was her mate and she was ready to give herself to him in every way, ready or not.

Bartek’s hand moved from her neck to her back, exploring her body slowly. His fingers paused at the zipper of her dress.

She wanted to laugh at the hesitation she felt from him. Instead, she ran her hands up his thighs, encouraging him to make the move he wanted. Artemis wasn’t going to reject him, not anymore.

He hardened at her gesture and unzipped her dress.

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